Bill expands first responders’ disability benefits

Making it easier for emergency responders to collect disability benefits.

A couple of state lawmakers introduce a bill that would to help first responders who have been exposed to infectious diseases while in the line of duty. Wauwatosa Democrat Jim Sullivan is the Senate sponsor.

“We are announcing legislation that will result in making it less cumbersome for our first responders to receive the duty disability benefit they deserve if they are disabled due to infectious diseases.”

Under current law, if a fire fighter, a law enforcement officer, or a correctional officer develops heart disease or certain types of cancer, it is presumed that the disease was contracted on the job — from exposure to hazardous materials. In which case, he’s eligible for disability or death benefits. However, those who come in contact with an infectious disease do not enjoy that same presumption. Sullivan says this bill would change that.

Milwaukee Democrat Christine Sinicki is the Assembly sponsor of the bill, which is being circulated for co-sponsorship.